How to cook butternut squash cubes in the microwave?

How to Cook Butternut Squash Cubes in the Microwave: A Simple and Quick Guide

Cooking butternut squash cubes in the microwave is a convenient and fast way to prepare this nutritious and delicious vegetable. In just a few minutes, you can have perfectly cooked squash cubes that are tender, flavorful, and ready to be added to a variety of dishes. In this article, we will show you how to cook butternut squash cubes in the microwave, along with some tips and tricks to get the best results.

Why Microwave Butternut Squash Cubes?

Microwaving butternut squash cubes is a great way to cook this vegetable because it:

• Saves time: Cooking butternut squash cubes in the microwave is much faster than baking or boiling them. It takes only 5-7 minutes to cook them, making it perfect for busy households.
• Retains nutrients: Microwaving helps to retain the nutrients and vitamins in the squash, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.
• Easy to cook: Cooking butternut squash cubes in the microwave is easy and requires minimal preparation.

How to Cook Butternut Squash Cubes in the Microwave

Cooking butternut squash cubes in the microwave is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Squash Cubes

• Cut the squash: Cut a butternut squash into cubes, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size.
• Peel and deseed: Peel the squash cubes and remove the seeds and pulp.
• Place in a microwave-safe dish: Place the squash cubes in a microwave-safe dish, leaving some space between each cube to allow for even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Squash Cubes

• Set the microwave: Set the microwave to High (100% power) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the squash cubes are tender.
• Stir and check: Stir the squash cubes after 5 minutes and check for doneness. If they are not tender, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes and check again.

Step 3: Serve and Season

• Season to taste: Once the squash cubes are cooked, season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.
• Use in recipes: Add the cooked squash cubes to soups, salads, casseroles, or use them as a side dish.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you cook perfect butternut squash cubes in the microwave:

• Use a microwave-safe dish: Make sure the dish you use is microwave-safe to avoid any accidents.
• Don’t overcook: Cooking the squash cubes for too long can make them mushy and unpleasant. Check on them regularly to avoid overcooking.
• Add flavor: You can add flavor to the squash cubes by sprinkling them with cumin, paprika, or other spices before cooking.
• Store leftovers: Cooked squash cubes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Microwave Cooking Times for Butternut Squash Cubes

Here is a table to help you determine the cooking time for butternut squash cubes based on the size of the cubes:

Conclusion

Cooking butternut squash cubes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can cook perfect squash cubes in just a few minutes. Remember to use a microwave-safe dish, don’t overcook, and add flavor to your squash cubes for the best results. Happy cooking!